Workers’ Compensation Claims: What You Need to Know

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides replacement wages and medical coverage for employees that are injured while at work. While the process of applying for benefits may seem daunting, it’s important to keep in mind the following when filing an injury claim:

Immediately report your injury or illness to your employer

Report your injury immediately to start the workers’ compensation process. Explain how and when the injury occurred, being thorough about the details to ensure it is made clear that the injury was work-related. You have 21 days to report your injury to your employer in order to receive benefits from the date of the accident. After day 21, you may still report your injury, however benefit eligibility begins on the date you report the accident, not the date the accident occurred.

Once you make your employer aware of your injury, they are obligated to notify their insurance company of your injury. Legally, you have 120 days from the date of injury or illness to file a claim injury report with your employer, however, we encourage you to notify your employer as soon as safely possible. If you wait until day 121, you could lose out on your compensation benefits.

If your employer has a list of physicians posted at your worksite or in your office, you must see one of those doctors for the first 90 days of your injury. If you choose to ignore the posted list of doctors, your employer may not pay any medical bills until after the first 90 days. If there is no list posted, you may choose to see any doctor.

Keep detailed notes of the injury and recovery process

Were there witnesses that saw your injury occur? Was there malfunctioning equipment that caused your injury? Keep detailed notes to make sure you have accurate information in case your injury claim is questioned. Keep notes about medical records, appointments and updates as well as billing statements and occurrences that result from the injury.

Get a legal expert on your side

Even though workers’ compensation should be an easy and straightforward process, it can become overwhelming at times. If you are injured on the job, get an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side to handle the details for you. It’s especially important to reach out to an attorney if your employer refuses to submit your injury report, which is against the law, or if your employer denies responsibility for your injury, which may require you to file a claim petition.

Facing lost time at work, expensive medical bills and the recovery process can severely impact your life. It’s important to get an expert on your side who can fight for the compensation you deserve. You have a right to file for workers’ compensation benefits and to be granted what you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys are here to fight for you and your rights.

If you or a loved one are injured while on the job, reach out immediately for medical help and get an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. Reach out to Dale E. Anstine today to learn more. With offices in York and Gettysburg, our team is proud to protect the injured across the Central Pennsylvania community. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win for you.